NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BOOK REVIEWERS (NCBR), a volunteer group of book reviewers, book review editors, and book media hosts who read passionately and write about reading, have met regularly since 1981 to recommend and celebrate books by presenting the Northern California Book Awards. (See 2017 NCBA page for the complete list of the finalists and winners for the 2017 NCBA celebrating books published in 2016.)

The 37th Annual Northern California Book Awards will take place on Sunday, July 1, 2018, Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Main Library. The NCBAs honor the work of northern California authors and translators, and recognize exceptional service to the community by northern California writers and literary leaders through the Fred Cody Lifetime Achievement Award and NCBR Recognition Award. The Fred Cody Award-winner receives a $1,000 honorarium; Award-winners who attend in other categories receive $100. Nominated books are available for sale and signing at the event, to benefit Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

The awards ceremony and reception are presented by the Northern California Book Reviewers and Poetry Flash, co-sponsored by PEN West, Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room (www.milibrary.org), Women's National Book Association-SF Chapter (wnba-sfchapter.org), San Francisco Public Library, and Friends of the San Francisco Public Library (www.friendssfpl.org).

Poetry Flash is the organizational home, awards producer, and fiscal sponsor for the Northern California Book Awards and NCBR. Poetry Flash, literary review and calendar, and literary event presenter, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Poetry Flash builds community through literary publishing and presenting.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Words of the World Fund, Frances Phillips, literary agents Michael Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada (San Francisco Writers Conference), and Laura Sheppard of the Mechanics' Institute. Thanks to all of the volunteer members of the NCBR.

Eligible Books

Submission Guidelines for Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction, Translation, and Children's Literature
Books written by authors based in northern California and published for the first time in the given year (2017) are eligible for nomination. In the case of translations, the translator must live in northern California. In the case of children's picture books, the author of the text must live or be based in northern California. Authors may divide their time between two locales, e.g.: "She divides her time between San Francisco and Paris."

For this purpose, northern California includes Fresno and Big Sur. There are no fees or forms. Either the publisher or the author may send books for consideration.

Send three copies of each title to be considered by January 22, 2018. Mail to: Northern California Book Awards, 1450 Fourth Street #4, Berkeley, CA 94710

Reviewers are always welcome to join Northern California Book Reviewers. Active reviewers based anywhere in northern California are welcome in all categories. Prospective members must have published three reviews in an established online or print publication.

Editors at newspapers and other periodicals that publish book reviews are also encouraged to join. Librarians, book media hosts, and other book professionals who recommend and write about books are eligible for membership.

Annual NCBR dues are $25. Meetings are held in the winter and spring in San Francisco and Berkeley; you need not attend meetings to participate. Please contact Joyce Jenkins, editor@poetryflash.org, (510) 525-5476.

Become a Sponsor, Support NCBA
To support this work with a tax-deductible donation, send a check to Poetry Flash, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, earmarked for the NCBA, to Poetry Flash/NCBR, 1450 Fourth Street, #4, Berkeley, CA 94710. Or donate at poetryflash.org/give, noting that your gift is intended for the book awards. For more information, email NCBR@poetryflash.org.

If you represent a literary arts organization, media, or business, please consider becoming a sponsor of the Northern California Book Awards. For a $500 contribution to the awards ceremony and reception, your organization will be included in our list of sponsors. Your organization's name will appear on NCBA posters, postcards, flyers, and event program. The NCBA program features reviews of every nominated title. You will also be asked to spread the word about the NCBA to your members, and to send invitations and notice of the awards and nominated books and authors to your organizational lists. Please contact NCBR@poetryflash.org for $250 sponsorship opportunities. The NCBR membership reserves the right to approve sponsorship requests.